If you like having ocean, forest, mountain, lake, and city all within close range, and not paying state income or sales taxes, New Hampshire's coastal cities (Portsmouth, et al) are awesome.

Yes, it gets cold, but you don't have to go out in it if you don't want to. You can go from heated space to heated space pretty easily.

I've heard NH is quite barren, though.

The southeast, especially around interstates 93 and 95 are quite populated. It might not look it sometimes due to lots of trees between homes in the older developments, though.

I think you're supposed to cruise along the coast and take in each city one by one. Then circle back and stay at the one that seems most cozy.

Agreed. I did this in 2012 - Fort Lauderdale to Ocean City, MD. Landed in Myrtle Beach, SC for 7 years.

I work remotely and live in a seaside town in Florida. No state income tax, reasonable housing prices and cost of living, biking, boating fishing, golfing, 12 months a year. Many great options in Florida such as St Augustine, Sarasota, Jupiter, Pensacola.

I'm most concerned about crime and hurricanes in FL. Any thoughts?

Vaasa in Western Finland is quite nice.